Computation of Axial Flow Compressor to Intake Flow Distortion
The effects of the parameters of inlet distortions on the trend of downstream flow feature in axial compressor are simulated using an integral method. Other than the ratio of drag-to-lift coefficients of the blade and the angle of incidence, the value of distorted inlet velocity is found to be another essential parameter to control the distortion propagation. With this in mind, a distortion propagation line and corresponding distortion propagation factor are proposed to express the effect of the two main inlet parameters: the angle of incidence and the distorted inlet velocity, on the propagation of distortion. From the viewpoint of compressor efficiency, the distortion propagation is further described by a compressor critical performance. The results provide a physical insight of compressor axial behavior and asymptotic behavior of the propagation of inlet distortion, and confirm the active role of compressor in determining the velocity distribution when compressor responds to an intake flow distortion.